Collecting bag having a vent aperture

ABSTRACT

A collecting bag is provided with a vent aperture to allow for escape of gases which may accumulate in the bag during use. The vent aperture is formed in an extension member that is connected with the bag member. In order to bring the vent aperture from a fully open condition to a fully closed condition, the extension member is folded at least once along a folding line, thereby bringing a first engagement surface into engagement with a second engagement surface. A net element may be positioned between the inlet opening of the bag member and the extension member and a filter device may be positioned within the extension member.

This is a nationalization of PCT/DK02/00299 filed May 8, 2002 andpublished in English.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to collecting bags for human body wastescomprising a bag member formed by a first and a second film blank joinedalong their edges by means of a seam, an inlet opening being provided inone of said film blanks, at least one vent aperture in communicationwith the interior of the bag member being provided.

2. Background of the Invention

This type of collecting bags are often used as ostomy bags. In order toallow discharge of gases which are accumulated in the bag during use,one or more vent apertures are often provided. Without this precautionthe gases would entail a distension of the bag, which might ia. make thebag conspicuous under the user's clothing and thereby causeembarrassment.

EP publication No. 0 535 801 A1 discloses an ostomy bag in which twovent apertures are formed in one of the walls of the bag. The apertures,of which one is provided with a filter, are normally covered by asealing tape which may be peeled back to expose either the filteredopening or the unfiltered opening in order to allow for the escape offlatus gas.

In the case of ileostomy patients having uncontrolled release of faecesof a relatively fluid consistence, there is generally a great risk ofleakage of faecal matter through such a vent aperture.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,630 discloses an ostomy pouch which may be broughtfrom its initial non-vented condition to a permanently vented conditionby tearing off a protruding portion of the pouch to reveal a gas ventingopening. The opening is protected from the contents of the pouch by adiscontinuous weld extending transversely of the pouch. The weldcomprises an open unwelded portion for allowing passage of gas to thegas venting opening. Although this pouch reduces the likelihood thatliquid waste material escapes from the pouch through the vent opening,re-sealing of the vent opening is suggested carried out by applying anadhesive tape or patch at the site of the protruding portion, i.e. arelatively unreliable seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With this background it is an object of the present invention to providea collecting bag, in which the desired ventilation of the bag may becarried out in a simple manner and which at the same time provides foran improved security with respect to prevention of leakage of thecontents of the bag through the vent aperture or apertures, duringventing as well as during normal use of the bag.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a collecting bag, inwhich a filtered ventilation opening may be present and in which therisk of contamination of the filter is reduced.

These and further objects are met by a collecting bag of the initiallystated kind, in which said bag member is connected with an extensionmember extending between a first end proximal to the bag member and asecond closed end distal to the bag member, that said at least one ventaperture is provided in said extension member at a distance from saiddistal end, and that said at least one vent aperture is brought from afully open condition to a fully closed condition by at least one foldingalong at least one folding line substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction of said extension member to bring a firstengagement surface into engagement with a second engagement surface.

By providing the vent aperture on an extension member, the risk ofentraining faecal matter contained in the bag member during the ventingprocedure is substantially reduced, as entrance of this material intothe extension member may be prevented manually, eg. by pinching thetransition area between the bag member and the extension member and thenmassaging the material back into the bag member prior to giving accessfor the gases accumulated in the bag member through the vent aperture.The closed distal end of the extension member improves the security evenfurther. In the fully closed condition, the vent aperture is covered bya part of the folded-over extension member.

In an embodiment, which provides for a particularly secure tightness ofthe extension member, the at least one vent aperture is provided in thevicinity of the distal end of the extension member. This positionentails that a labyrinth seal-like passage is formed between the bagmember and the vent aperture or apertures, and the fold itselfcontributes to the tightness by closing off the passage between the bagmember and the vent aperture.

In a preferred embodiment said extension member is formed by arespective extended first and second portion of said film blanks, theedges of said: extended film blank portions being joined along the outercontours of the extension member by means of a continued portion of theseam joining the film blanks in the bag member. This embodiment providesfor particularly advantageous production conditions.

In an embodiment, which is a further development of the above-mentionedpreferred embodiment, said at least one vent aperture is provided in thefirst extended film blank portion and the first engagement surface isprovided on the second extended film blank portion opposite said atleast one vent aperture, and the second engagement surface is providedon the first extended film blank portion at the proximal end of theextension member, the at least one vent aperture being brought to thefully closed condition by two subsequent foldings of the extensionmember along a first folding line at the proximal edge of the firstengagement surface and along a second folding line at the distal edge ofthe second engagement surface, respectively. In this manner, theextension member may be designed with a certain, substantial length,which increases the security against leakage of faecal material throughthe vent aperture and nevertheless be brought to a folded-over positionclose to the bag member, corresponding to the fully closed condition,thereby preventing the extension member from dangling and chafingagainst the user's skin.

In an alternative further development of the preferred embodiment, saidat least one vent aperture is provided in the first extended film blankportion and the first engagement surface is provided on the firstextended film blank portion, the distal edge of the first engagementsurface being positioned at a distance from the at least one ventaperture, and the second engagement surface surrounds the at least onevent aperture, a third engagement surface being provided on the firstextended film blank portion, the distal edge of the third engagementsurface being positioned at a distance from the proximal edge of thefirst engagement surface corresponding substantially to the distancebetween the proximal and distal edges of the first engagement surface,the at least one vent aperture being brought to the fully closedcondition by three subsequent foldings of the extension member along afirst folding line at the distal edge of the first engagement surfacefor bringing the first and second engagement surfaces into mutualengagement, along a second folding line at the proximal edge of thefirst engagement surface, and along a third folding line at the distaledge of the third engagement surface, respectively.

The engagement surfaces may include mutually interlocking and releasablyengageable elements, such as locking elements comprising hooks and eyes,Velcro elements, etc., or releasable adhesive layers, which mayadvantageously include a supporting plate underlying said layer ofadhesive.

In case at least the first engagement surface of the above-mentionedalternative further development of the preferred embodiment includes alayer of releasable adhesive, the second extended film blank portion mayadvantageously be brought into engagement with said first engagementsurface in connection with the initial folding along the first foldingline. This provides for a particularly tight seal of the extensionmember in the fully closed condition.

In order to make the folding procedure logical and clear to the user,each folding line may be indicated by a score line embossed into theextension member.

In order to facilitate the pinching-off of the extension member, thismember may have a relatively narrow extent in the transverse direction.

Furthermore, the extension member may positioned in the upper region ofthe bag, which increases the security against dirtying of the extensionmember during normal usage of the collecting bag.

In order to reduce the risk of contaminating the vent aperture evenfurther, a net element may be positioned between the inlet opening ofthe bag member and the extension member.

The bag may furthermore comprises a filter device, which makes itpossible to deodorize any escaping gas to avoid embarrassing odour.

In an advantageous embodiment, the filter device is positioned withinthe extension member which provides for a particularly protectedposition of the filter, whereby contamination of the filter may besubstantially reduced.

The filter device may be positioned in a space provided in the extensionmember and having an outlet opening separated from said at least onevent aperture, said space being in communication with the bag membersuch that in the fully closed condition, gas may ooze or leak throughsaid outlet opening. By this design a protection against contaminationis achieved while simultaneously giving the possibility of combining acontrolled release of gas through the vent aperture and a continuousooze through the filtered opening.

Further features and advantages may readily be appreciated from thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the invention will be described in further detail withreference to preferred embodiments and the several views of theschematic drawings, in which

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a collecting bagaccording to the invention, seen from the side intended to face awayfrom the user and in the fully open position;

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the collecting bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a collecting bagaccording to the invention, seen from the side intended to face awayfrom the user and in the fully open position;

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section of the collecting bag of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of a collecting bagaccording to the invention, seen from the side intended to face awayfrom the user and in the fully open position;

FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal section of the collecting bag of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a collecting bagaccording to the invention, seen from the side intended to face awayfrom the user and in the fully closed position;

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the collecting bag of FIG. 7 in which thefirst and second engagement surfaces have been brought into mutualengagement;

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the collecting bag of FIG. 7 in which theextension member has been folded over twice to assume a positioncorresponding to the condition of the bag during normal use;

FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal section of the fourth embodiment ofcollecting bag in the position shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section of the fourth embodiment ofcollecting bag in the position shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal section of the fourth embodiment ofcollecting bag in the position shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

The collecting bag of the first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,comprises a bag member 1 which is formed by a first film blank 2 formingthe front wall of the bag and which in use is positioned to face awayfrom the user, and a second film blank 3 forming the back wall of thebag. The two film blanks 2, 3 are joined along their outer contours bymeans of a seam 4 which is provided by eg. welding or heat-sealing thefilm blanks. In the second film blank 3, which in use faces the user, aninlet opening 5 is provided for receiving an end portion of theintestines of the user. The bag is fastened to the user by means ofconnecting elements 6.

In the embodiment shown, the bag is not provided with outlet means foremptying the bag of its contents. Such outlet means may in a mannerknown per se be provided in the lower portion of the bag member. In thisrespect it is noted that terms such as “upper” and “lower” etc. onlyrefer to the position, the bag assumes when the user is eg. standing orsitting upright.

In the upper region of the bag, arrangement has been made to allow forescape of gases which may accumulate in the bag during use. Thisarrangement comprises an extension member generally designated 7, inwhich one or more vent apertures have been formed In principle such anextension member 7 may comprise eg. a tube member having a closed endand which at the opposite end is fastened to the bag member in anyappropriate manner, a vent aperture 8 being provided at any pointbetween the two ends of the extension member and two engagement surfaces10, 11 being provided to close off the vent aperture in connection witha single folding operation along a folding line 14. The engagementsurfaces 10, 11 may eg. include a releasable adhesive on at least one ofthe engagement surfaces, or may include mutually interlocking andreleasably engageable elements such as hook and eye closures, eg. of theVelcro type.

In the following a detailed description of a second embodiment will begiven with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The collecting bag of this embodiment comprises a bag member 101 whichis formed by a first film blank 102 forming the front wall of the bagand which in use is positioned to face away from the user, and a secondfilm blank 103 forming the back wall of the bag. The two film blanks102, 103 are joined along their outer contours by means of a seam 104which is provided by eg. welding or heat-sealing the film blanks. In thesecond film blank 103, which in use faces the user, an inlet opening 105is provided for receiving an end portion of the intestines of the user.The bag is fastened to the user by means of connecting elements 106.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the extension member107 is formed by extended film blank portions 112 and 113 of the firstand second film blanks 102 and 103, respectively, of the bag member 101.The edges of the extended film blank portions 112 and 113 of theextension member 107 are joined by means of a portion 104 a of the seam104 such that the film blanks of the bag member 101 and the extensionmember 107 are joined in eg. a continuous welding operation.

The extension member 107 is in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 of anelongate configuration and extends between a first end 107 a proximal tothe bag member 101 and a second end 107 b remote or distal to the bagmember 101. It is noted that the second end 107 b is closed by means ofthe continued seam portion 104 a. In the vicinity of ie. at a smalldistance from the closed second end 107 b a vent aperture 108 is formedin the first extended film blank portion 112. The vent aperture could inprinciple have another position, as long as it is covered by theengagement surfaces following the mutual engagement between theengagement surfaces. However, it is preferred that the vent aperture bepositioned on the distal side of the folding line or lines. Opposite thevent aperture 108 there is a first engagement surface 110 on the secondextended film blank portion 113. In the fully open condition, gasesaccumulated in the bag member 101 are free to escape via the passageformed between the extended film blank portions 112 and 113 and outthrough the vent aperture 108. In order to bring the collecting bag intoits normal use condition, ie. to close the vent aperture 108, theextension member 107 is folded over twice along a first and a secondfolding line 114 and 115, each of which extends substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the extension member 107to bring the first engagement surface 110 into contact with a secondengagement surface 111 positioned in the transition area between the bagmember 101 and the extension member 107, advantageously within the outercontours of the bag member 101. By the mutual engagement between theengagement surface, the vent aperture is closed and virtually no gas mayescape.

The engagement surfaces 110 and 111 may include mutually interlockingand releasably engageable elements such as hook and eye closures, eg. ofthe Velcro type. Alternatively, the engagement surfaces may includelayers of a releasable adhesive. In case releasable adhesive layers areused, a supporting plate underlying at least one of said layers may beprovided in order to facilitate the folding operation and/or to improvethe tightness of the vent aperture by reducing the risk of penetrationof faecal matter and gas into the passage and out through the ventaperture. The folding lines 114 and 115 may furthermore be indicatedvisually and palpably by score lines embossed into the extension member,which makes the folding procedure logical and clear to the user. Thedimensions of the engagement surfaces may be chosen arbitrarily, as longas they fulfill the demands made to a secure engagement, but arepreferably designed such that each engagement surface extends throughoutthe width of the extension member, ie. in the transverse directionthereof, and such that the first engagement surface 110 extends in thelongitudinal direction from the distal end 107 b to the first foldingline 111 and the distal edge of the second engagement surface should bepositioned at a distance from the first folding line 111 correspondingto the longitudinal dimension of the first engagement surface 110.

In case the engagement surfaces include a hook and eye closure, the hookpart may be utilized in the first engagement surface 110 and the eyepart in the second engagement surface 111, or vice versa. In case thecollecting bag is provided with a comfort layer 109 which overlies thesecond film blank 102 of the bag member 101, the second engagementsurface 111 may be constituted by a portion of this comfort layer 109,provided the latter is of an appropriate material to cooperate with thefirst engagement surface 110.

The third embodiment of the collecting bag according to the invention,shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, has several structural similarities to the firstand in particular the second embodiment. Hence, elements having the sameor analogous function as in the second embodiment carry the samereference numerals to which 100 has been added and only differences fromthe second embodiment will be described in detail.

In the third embodiment the vent aperture 208 is surrounded by thesecond engagement surface 211, and the first engagement surface 210 ispositioned immediately proximal to the second engagement surface,separated by the first folding line 214. By initial folding of theextension member 207 along the first folding line 214, the vent aperture208 is covered. In case at least the first engagement surface 210includes an adhesive layer, the second extended film blank portion 213is brought into contact with and adheres to the first engagement surface210 through the vent aperture 208. This provides for a particularlyfluid tight sealing of the vent aperture. By subsequent folding of theextension member 207 along the second folding line 215 at the proximaledge for the first engagement surface 210, and subsequently along athird folding line 216, the folded-over portion of the extension member207 may be brought into contact with a layer of adhesive included in athird engagement surface 217 at the proximal end of the extension member207, advantageously within the outer contours of the bag member 201.Alternatively, the first and second engagement surfaces 210, 211 mayinclude a hook and eye closure such as Velcro.

It is noted that in all of the above embodiments the extension member 7,107, 207 has a relatively narrow shape, ie. a small extent in thetransverse direction, ia. in order to minimize the amount of liquidfaecal matter which may find its way into the passage leading to thevent aperture. When the collecting bag is to be vented, the user maypinch off the transition area between the bag member and the extensionmember prior to releasing the engagement between the first and secondengagement surfaces and then stroke or massage the extension member inthe direction of the bag member in order to force the faecal matter backinto the bag member.

In the following a description will be made of a fourth embodiment ofthe invention, which is shown in FIGS. 7 to 12. Elements having the sameor analogous function as corresponding elements of the second embodimentcarry the same reference numerals to which 200 has been added and onlydifferences from the second embodiment will be described in detail.

In this embodiment, faecal matter is received through the inlet opening305 to a portion of the bag member 301 which is separated from theportion of the bag member which communicates with the extension member307 by means of a net element 320 of a type known per se, ie. of agas-permeable but liquid-impermeable material. The net element 320prevents or at least reduces the amount of liquid faecal material whichmay enter into the extension member 307 and thus to the vent aperture308. The net element 320 may have various shapes, ranging from a smallelement extending over the inner area of the bag member 301 in thevicinity of the extension member 307, to an element constituting apartition wall which is positioned between the first and second filmblanks 302 and 303 of the bag member 301.

Furthermore, the collecting bag ot this element is provided with afilter device 330 positioned within the extension member 307. The filterdevice 330 is positioned in a space 331 provided in the extension member307 and has an outlet opening 332 separated from the vent aperture 308.The space 331 is in communication with the bag member 301 such that inthe fully closed condition, shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, gas may ooze orleak through the outlet opening 332 which is covered by aliquid-impermeable membrane 333. It is of course conceivable to positiona filter in e.g. one of the film blanks as well, and it is furthermorepossible to use the filter device without the net element. The procedureof closing the vent aperture 308 may be seen sequentially in FIGS. 7 to9 and 10 to 12, respectively. As shown, the second engagement surface311 is folded along the first folding line 314 to be brought against thefirst engagement surface 310, followed by a subsequent fold along secondfolding line 315. Tn the resulting position shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, theextension member 307 is concealed under the comfort layer 309 in orderto provide optimum comfort to the user.

The invention should not be regarded as being limited to the embodimentsdescribed in the above but various modifications and combinations of theshown embodiments may be carried out without departing from the scope ofthe following claims.

For example, although the invention has been described only withreference to ostomy bags not having an outlet opening for emptying andre-use of the bag, it is of course possible to apply the invention tothat form of collecting bag as well. Furthermore, more than one ventaperture may be provided, and the extension member may have other shapesand positions than the ones shown in the above.

1. A collecting bag for human body wastes comprising a bag member formedby a first and a second film blank joined along their edges by a seam,an inlet opening being provided in one of said film blanks, at least onevent aperture in communication with the interior of the bag member beingprovided, said bag member being connected with an extension memberformed by first and second extended portions of said first and secondfilm blanks, respectively, said extension member being positioned in anupper region of the bag and extending between a first end of saidextension member proximal to and joined with the bag member and a secondclosed end of said extension member distal to and spaced from the bagmember, said at least one vent aperture being provided in the firstextended film blank portion of said extension member at a distance fromsaid distal end, said at least one vent aperture being brought from afully open condition to a fully closed condition by at least one foldingalong at least one folding line substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction of said extension member to bring a firstengagement surface into engagement with a second engagement surface,said at least one vent aperture being covered by a part of thefolded-over extension member in said fully closed position.
 2. Thecollecting bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one ventaperture is provided in the vicinity of the distal end of the extensionmember.
 3. The collecting bag as claimed in claim 2, wherein the edgesof said extended film blank portions are joined along the outer contoursof the extension member by a continued portion of the seam joining thefilm blanks in the bag member.
 4. The collecting bag as claimed in claim3, wherein said at least one vent aperture is provided in the firstextended film blank portion and the first engagement surface is providedon the second extended film blank portion opposite said at least onevent aperture, and that the second engagement surface is provided on thefirst extended film blank portion at the proximal end of the extensionmember, the at least one vent aperture being brought to the fully closedcondition by two subsequent foldings of the extension member along afirst folding line at the proximal edge of the first engagement surfaceand along a second folding line at the distal edge of the secondengagement surface, respectively.
 5. The collecting bag as claimed inclaim 3, wherein said at least one vent aperture is provided in thefirst extended film blank portion and the first engagement surface isprovided on the first extended film blank portion, the distal edge ofthe first engagement surface being positioned at a distance from the atleast one vent aperture, and the second engagement surface surrounds theat least one vent aperture, a third engagement surface being provided onthe first extended film blank portion, the distal edge of the thirdengagement surface being positioned at a distance from the proximal edgeof the first engagement surface corresponding substantially to thedistance between the proximal and distal edges of the first engagementsurface, the at least one vent aperture being brought to the fullyclosed condition by three subsequent foldings of the extension memberalong a first folding line at the distal edge of the first engagementsurface for bringing the first and second engagement surfaces intomutual engagement, along a second folding line at the proximal edge ofthe first engagement surface, and along a third folding line at thedistal edge of the third engagement surface, respectively.
 6. Thecollecting bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said engagement surfacesinclude mutually interlocking and releasably engageable elements.
 7. Thecollecting bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said engagement surfacesinclude releasable adhesive layers.
 8. The collecting bag as claimed inclaim 7, wherein at least one of said engagement surfaces includes asupporting plate underlying said layer of adhesive.
 9. The collectingbag as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second extended film blankportion is brought into engagement with said first engagement surface inconnection with the initial folding along the first folding line. 10.The collecting bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said folding line isindicated by a score line embossed into the extension member.
 11. Thecollecting bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extension member has arelatively narrow extent in the transverse direction.
 12. The collectingbag as claimed in claim 1, wherein a net element is positioned betweenthe inlet opening of the bag member and the extension member.
 13. Thecollecting bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bag includes a filterdevice.
 14. The collecting bag as claimed in claim 13, wherein saidfilter device is positioned within the extension member.
 15. Thecollecting bag as claimed in claim 14, wherein the filter device ispositioned in a space provided in the extension member and having anoutlet opening separated from said at least one vent aperture, saidspace being in communication with the bag member such that in the fullyclosed condition, gas may ooze or leak through said outlet opening. 16.A collecting bag for human body wastes comprising a bag member formed bya first and a second film blank joined along their edges with an inletopening being provided in one of said film blanks, said bag memberhaving an extended film blank portion forming an elongated extensionmember positioned in the upper region of the bag with a first endproximal to the bag member, a second closed end distal to the bagmember, and a folding line between said first and second ends thatextends transversely across said extension member substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal length of said extension member, atleast one vent aperture in said extension member in communication withthe interior of the bag member and spaced from said distal end, said atleast one vent aperture being brought from a fully open condition to afully closed condition by at least one folding of said extension memberupon itself along said folding line to bring a first engagement surfaceon said extension member into secure and releasable engagement with asecond engagement surface proximal to said first engagement surface,said second engagement surface also being proximal to said firstengagement surface prior to said folding.
 17. A collecting bag for humanbody wastes comprising a bag member formed by a first and a second filmblank joined along their edges by a seam with an inlet opening beingprovided in one of said film blanks, said bag member being joined withan extension member by a welded or heat-sealed seam, said extensionmember being positioned in an upper region of the bag and having a firstend proximal to the bag member, a second closed end distal to the bagmember, and first and second engagement surfaces thereon that aremutually cooperative for secure and releasable engagement with oneanother, at least one vent aperture in said extension member incommunication with the interior of the bag member and spaced from saiddistal end, said at least one vent aperture being brought from a fullyopen condition to a fully closed condition by at least one folding alongat least one folding line substantially perpendicular to a longitudinaldirection of said extension member to bring said first engagementsurface into engagement with said second engagement surface to coversaid vent.
 18. A collecting bag for human body wastes comprising a bagmember formed by a first and a second film blank joined along theiredges by a seam, an inlet opening being provided in one of said filmblanks, said bag member having an extension member positioned in theupper region of the bag with a first end proximal to the bag member anda second closed end distal to the bag member at least one vent aperturein communication with an interior of said bag member being provided insaid extension member at a distance from said distal end, and said atleast one vent aperture being brought from a fully open condition to afully closed condition by a first folding of said extension member alonga first folding line substantially perpendicular to a longitudinaldirection of said extension member to bring a first engagement surfaceon said extension member into engagement with a second engagementsurface proximal to said first engagement surface and a second foldingalong a second folding line substantially parallel with said firstfolding line.